May 26, 2025
A roundup of local and world news
Newsroom, 26.05.2025, 13:55
PRESIDENCY The pro-European Nicuşor Dan was sworn in as President of Romania today in a solemn session of Parliament. During the ceremony, the new president said the Romanian state needs ‘a fundamental change’, within the limits of the rule of law. He urged Romanians to continue to put ‘positive’ pressure on public institutions, so that they reform. Nicuşor Dan also promised that he would be a president ‘open’ to the voice of society. The Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, Daniel, blessed the president’s inauguration. The meeting was attended by members of the government and the Constitutional Court, former presidents of Romania, the Royal Family, representatives of central public institutions and of authorities under parliamentary control, representatives of religious denominations. Among the guests were also MEPs, representatives of EU institutions, and heads of diplomatic missions in Romania. After the ceremony, the former mayor of Bucharest will begin consultations on a new government, which will take the measures required first and foremost to reduce the huge budget deficit. The president-elect wants all pro-European parties to participate in the government in order to ensure a solid majority in Parliament, with an impact on the country’s economic and financial development.
TRADE The US president Donald Trump said he gave the European Union another month to conclude a trade deal and avoid raising tariffs. He had threatened on Friday to introduce 50% tariffs on European imports as of June 1, but following a telephone conversation with the European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, he said he had extended the deadline. “Europe is ready to move negotiations forward quickly and decisively. To reach a good agreement, we will need time until July 9,” the EC president said on Sunday, after the call with Trump. Since he returned to power, Donald Trump has regularly attacked Europe, which he sees as worse than China in trade relations, the media reports. The US puts its trade deficit with the EU in goods at USD 235 billion in 2024, but the European Commission points out that the US surplus in services brings this deficit down to USD 57 billion.
MILITARY The US Embassy in Bucharest marked the 9-year anniversary of the missile defence system at Deveselu, in southern Romania, an important milestone in the bilateral Strategic Partnership. This state-of-the-art system plays a vital role in NATO’s missile defence architecture, and its activation has enhanced security and deterrence on the eastern flank, the US Embassy also states, adding that the cooperation between US and Romanian forces proves the strength of the Alliance, as well as the shared commitment to regional stability.
THEATRE The “Marin Sorescu” National Theatre in Craiova, today hosts the 33rd UNITER Awards Gala. During the event, the actors Rodica Negrea and Emil Coşeru will receive lifetime achievement awards. The best show will be chosen from ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’ by Federico García Lorca, directed by Diana Mititelu at the Constanţa State Theatre, ‘Mary Stuart’, adapted by Robert Icke after Friedrich Schiller and directed by Andrei Şerban at the ‘I.L. Caragiale’ National Theatre in Bucharest, Albert Camus’ “The Misunderstanding”, adapted and directed by Mihai Măniuţiu at the Hungarian State Theatre in Cluj, ‘Queen of the Night’, written and directed by Leta Popescu at the ‘Fani Tardini’ Dramatic Theatre in Galaţi, William Shakespeare’s ‘Richard III’, directed by István Albu at Teatrul de Nord Satu Mare.
TENNIS Four Romanian tennis players are in the main draw at the Roland Garros tournament, which began on Sunday. Five Romanian athletes were to take part in the tournament, but Sorana Cirstea withdrew due to physical problems. Today, Gabriela Ruse will face US McCartney Kessler, Jaqueline Cristian will play against the Australian Kimberly Birrell, and Irina Begu will take on Leolia Jeanjean (France). On Tuesday, Anca Todoni will play against US Jessica Pegula. (AMP)
